Multi-meter energy allocation system with no back feed
AssigneePowertree Services, Inc.
InventorsStacey Reineccius, John C. Sellers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A power generation allocation and measurement device has an inverter assignment matrix fed by one or more inverter load controllers, the controllers connected to respective inverters. The device includes multiple unit controllers associated with respective metered distribution panels of a multi-unit or multi-panel power installation. A group controller is in communication with each unit controller and the inverter assignment matrix. The device is fed by a power generator such as a photovoltaic panel. The device allocates power to the metered distribution panels via the group controller, based on feedback from the discrete unit controllers.
Claims17
A power generation allocation and measurement device, comprising:
- an inverter assignment matrix fed by one or more inverter load controllers;
- one or more unit controllers, each associated with a respective metered distribution panel;
- a group controller in communication with the unit controllers and the inverter assignment matrix;
- wherein the power generation allocation and measurement device is fed by a power generator;
- wherein the power generation allocation and measurement device is connected to one or more inverters, the inverters controlled by the inverter load controllers;
- wherein the power generation allocation and measurement device allocates power to the metered distribution panels via the group controller;
- wherein each of the unit controllers are connected to a current transformer positioned ahead of the respective metered distribution panel to measure the load being fed by the respective meter;
- and
- wherein, to prevent back feed, the power generation allocation and measurement device continuously compares current level and direction at the current transformer with a target threshold and, via the one or more inverter load controllers, adjusts the current level or switches off the inverter if the current level at the current transformer comes within the target threshold.
A method of allocating power delivery to one or more metered distribution panels, comprising:
- providing an allocation device including an inverter assignment matrix fed by one or more inverter load controllers;
- one or more unit controllers, each associated with a respective metered distribution panel;
- a group controller in communication with the unit controllers and the inverter assignment matrix;
- wherein the power generation allocation and measurement device is fed by a power generator;
- wherein the power generation allocation and measurement device is connected to one or more inverters, the inverters controlled by the inverter load controllers to enable the delivery of a desired level of current to the connected metered distribution panel;
- preventing back feed by continuously comparing current level at a current transformer connected between the unit controllers and the respective metered distribution panel with a target threshold and, via the one or more load controllers, either adjusting the current level or switching off the inverter if the current level at the current transformer comes within the target threshold;
- and
- issuing coordinated instructions from the group controller to the inverter load controllers based on feedback received from the unit controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.